PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT
The 2019 Ford Expedition has a smooth powertrain and plenty of cargo space for long road trips,
The Ford Expedition is one of the last few body-on-frame SUVs out there, but it’s also among the best. With a platform that’s shared with the more premium Lincoln Navigator as well as a similar engine, the Expedition may be your budget bet. Here’s a quick take on this pretty impressive new SUV.
Pros Cargo Space
The Expedition Max we tested is the biggest variant of the Expedition available. With an overall length of 563.6 centimetres, and a wheelbase of 334.2 centimetres, the Max is huge, but that space is reserved only for cargo. The passenger space of the Max and regular sized Expedition is the same, but the cargo room expands significantly. While a normal Expedition features 592.8 litres behind the third row, the Max has much more space at 1018.9 litres behind the rear seats. That means that in total, the Max model features 3439.2 litres behind the first row. We used it in lieu of a moving van, and the Expedition performed as good as we could have hoped.
Interior
While the Expedition is the baby brother to the Lincoln Navigator, the interior is pretty well executed. Some liken it to a top of the line F-150, as the Expedition features a very familiar layout but in Platinum trim, it’s done up with premium materials and accents. For buyers who are worried that the Navigator is a bit too fancy, the Expedition will feel plenty high-end. You'll also notice that the interior is very quiet, which leaves an ex- cellent, refined impression of the Expedition. The only downside is the wind noise.
Technology
The tech in the Expedition is impressive, as Ford has outfitted the SUV with so many goodies. The safety and driver assistance features are fantastic as they help make the large vehicle more accessible and easier to drive. Adaptive cruise control is perfectly calibrated to slow down the heavy car all the way to a stop without too much of a worrying lurch. There's a pre-collision warning system that warns you of impending accidents, which can also react to pedestrians. The lane keep- ing system is helpful, too, when you become self-aware of just how big and wide the SUV is. The parking assistance tech and the cameras were invaluable when piloting the Expedition.
Powertrain
The EcoBoost engines have gained quite the reputation these days for incredible performance out of a small package. Well, despite the size of the Expedition Max that was test- ed, the 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine proved to be quite robust, with 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. This is the upgraded engine that’s found specifically in Platinum trim models, as XLT and Limited trim level vehicles get just 375 and 470 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to a ten-speed automatic that is generally well behaved, and a selectable four-wheel mode that includes two-wheel mode, four-wheel auto and 4 wheel low. There’s also a drive mode select that allows the driver to dial in specific situations or needs, like towing, sports mode and low traction conditions.
There are many positives to be said about this engine, like the way it brings the 2,600 kg up to speed, without any struggles. It’s a sure bet that the Expedition can easily meet the needs of those looking to tow about 4,000 kg.
Cons
Fuel economy The Expedition boasts some of the best fuel economy in its segment — but that’s not saying much. Expect at best 13 l/100 kms combined in the 4WD Max model. This is brutal and even worse than the thirstiest V8 F-150. The Expedition and SUVs like this need to perform better.
Which size?
Some might have a tough time picking which model of Expedition is best for them, but the fact that the Max and regular wheelbase have the same passenger space can be a significant issue. Legroom in all three rows is the same, and that means that the third row is still tight.
The Expedition starts at a reasonable $62,439, but that's for a base XLT model with the standard wheelbase. The Max starts at $77,439 (and comes with more equipment) and our loaded Platinum model rings in at $88,989 which is a significant chunk of money, and easily into true luxury car territory. Which is what brings up the next point.
The verdict
A large SUV with a smooth powertrain has always been considered an ancient item, but the new Ford Expedition is surprisingly refined and punches above its weight class. It’s extremely spacious, but that space is best reserved for cargo, and it’s a bit pricey when you consider the alternatives at that high end.